Category Archives: Common Repair Issues

Although unexpected car issues keep many drivers up at night, most of the time, you’ll know when there’s something wrong with your Japanese car. Perhaps it’s making a strange noise, or having trouble accelerating up a hill. However, even when you suspect that something may be wrong with your car, you might not know exactly what the problem is. Check out the following six common car problems to see if one could be plaguing your Japanese vehicle.

Uneven tire tread

If your tires haven’t been worn down evenly, your vehicle won’t have a good grip on the road. Check for any bald spots or dents in the treads of your tires — if so, these are an indication that uneven treads could be causing problems. For example, if you’re driving a Subaru Outback that does a lot of hauling, your car’s alignment likely won’t be ideal for even tire tread. This issue can be avoided by having your tires rotated and your wheels aligned regularly.

Loose gas cap

Surprisingly common in many Japanese vehicles, a loose or missing gas cap can decrease your car’s mileage due to evaporating gas. If you’re missing your gas cap, many mechanics will give you a replacement one for a low cost.

Loud brakes

Loud or squeaky brakes are a potentially serious issue with several possible culprits — no matter what the cause, though, you should search for a solution. You may need to replace your Japanese car’s brake pads or have brake dust removed from your drum; these are tasks best left to professionals, since brake dust can be dangerous if inhaled accidentally.

Malfunctioning catalytic converter

Catalytic converters transform dangerous gases into less harmful emissions when they’re released from your vehicle. If a mechanic determines that your catalytic converter needs to be completely replaced, your price tag could run into the thousands; luckily, however, most serious problems with catalytic converters can be avoided by having your vehicle regularly serviced. For example, Honda is known for having a very effective, clean-running catalytic converter, but if you do need to have it replaced, make sure you find a genuine replacement part for your vehicle.

Broken air conditioner

A room temperature air conditioner in your vehicle may not seem like a big deal, but it could become a real problem during the summer months. Most likely, this issue is caused by insufficient refrigerant in your Japanese car’s system, a problem that might be caused by a leak in your system — necessitating a trip to the mechanic.

Faulty spark plugs

Spark plugs help start your vehicle by igniting the fuel in your car’s internal combustion engine. If you’re experiencing difficulty starting your car, your spark plugs may be malfunctioning — and if that’s the case, you’ll need to get them replaced as soon as possible. Your catalytic converter’s performance could also be affected by this issue.

If you’re experiencing any of the above issues with your car, LexService can help get you back on the road without worry. We service Japanese cars with genuine factory parts, repairing your car for a lower price than you’d pay at a dealership — without sacrificing quality. If you have any concerns about your vehicle, large or small, contact us for help today.

You’re driving home from work one day when suddenly, the words “Check Engine” (or perhaps a picture of an engine) light on on your dashboard. If you’re like most drivers, that little yellow light can be unnerving — mostly because you’re not exactly sure what it’s telling you or what you should do, and “Check Engine” sounds more severe and urgent than it actually is. While you don’t have to panic and call a tow truck when that little light turns on, you should get your vehicle serviced pretty quickly. LexService, an auto maintenance and repair shop in Torrance and Artesia specialize in fixing, maintaining and repairing Japanese vehicles.

A part of your car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) computer system, the “Check Engine” light turns on to warn you about powertrain problems that could affect your car’s emissions systems. When the light turns on, the OBD also logs a “trouble code” in its memory, identifying the source of the problem. Though you’ll likely never see it, this code is very important, as it can be read by an electronic scan tool at most car dealers and auto repair shops to determine precisely what’s wrong with your vehicle.

The most common problems that can trigger your car’s “Check Engine” light include: a loose, damaged, or missing gas cap; a damaged oxygen sensor; a damaged catalytic converter; a damaged mass air flow sensor; and damaged spark plugs or spark plug wires. Essentially, the “Check Engine” light serves as a serious reminder that your car needs to be checked out, especially if you’ve been neglecting regular car maintenance.

A cost-effective alternative to your local car dealer, auto repair shops provide a full range of services and repairs that you may need when your car’s “Check Engine” light turns on. At LexService, a Japanese car clinic serving the South Bay, Torrance, and Artesia areas, expert technicians can help you identify why your “Check Engine” light turned on and fix the source of the problem — all while saving you time and money. But no matter what car you drive, auto repair shops can help you determine if your car has a loose gas cap or a more serious engine problem requiring in-depth maintenance.

The bottom line is this: when your “check engine” light comes on, don’t ignore it — fix it. When you postpone maintenance for your car, a minor problem can turn into more serious damage that could cost hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars to repair.

Many times car owners feel that they should take their car back to the dealership rather than going through an independent maintenance repair facility. While owners assume their dealership will be more experienced with their vehicle, there are some significant downsides to relying upon the dealership for auto repairs.

In fact, in many situations an independent maintenance facility can provide better service at a fraction of the cost — especially for luxury vehicles like Lexus and other high end models.

The High Cost of Car Dealerships

Car dealerships tend to be far more costly than independent maintenance shops, especially when it comes to niche and luxury cars. Much of this is because of the overhead that car dealerships need to pay for. When it comes to luxury vehicles such as Lexus, car dealerships need to invest quite a lot in their marketing and operations. Many times the real money made at Lexus dealerships come from their service and maintenance departments.

Additionally, car dealerships generally don’t have to deal with as much competition opposed to an independent shop; those who are going back to their dealership usually aren’t getting other quotes from elsewhere. With limited competition, the dealership is not incentivized to reduce their fees.

Independent maintenance and repair shops, on the other hand, must focus on high quality maintenance and service as well as competitive pricing.

The Experience and Expertise of Independent Facilities

Independent maintenance and repair shops like LexService are focused on delivering high quality service at the best possible prices. This gives them the freedom to hire the best and most talented mechanics and technicians. When it comes to Lexus and other Japanese vehicles, care and attention matters.

Ultimately, a car dealership is a place to buy cars — and an independent maintenance facility is a place to repair and maintain them. Though a car dealership may be familiar to you, it’s likely that they will be far more expensive than an independent center. Since the dealership is working on 60-100 cars per day, many times they can’t give you or your Lexus vehicle the care that it needs.

Specializing in Lexus, Honda, Toyota, and Nissan vehicles, LexService offers certified ASE mechanics and great service in Harbor City, Torrance and Artesia.